Martin rules the air

Oglethorpe Co. 45, Athens Christian 14

Oglethorpe County hit the ground running Friday night and never looked back.

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The Patriots scored on eight out of nine offensive possessions on their way to a 45-14 victory at Athens Christian School.

The Eagles had no answer for Patriots quarterback Ryan Martin, who was 7 of 13 for 193 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Martin's primary target was Rico Barnett, who slipped through the Eagles' secondary for three catches, 126 yards and two touchdowns.

"Our coaching staff really broke it down and told me what to look for," Martin said.

The Patriots (5-4) marched down the field on their first drive of the game, scoring on a 4-yard Chad Chandler run.

Oglethorpe County never relinquished the lead.

Following the opening score, the Patriots regained possession when Rashad Dalton intercepted Chance Thomas' pass with one second remaining in the first quarter.

Two minutes later, the Patriots found the end zone again, as Martin connected with Barnett for a 40-yard touchdown.

With Oglethorpe County in control, the Eagles attempted to battle back on their next possession.

Running back Kel Roberson plowed in from 2 yards out as the Eagles got on the board. With a two-point conversion, Athens Christian (1-6) cut the lead to 14-8 in the second quarter.

That would be as close as Oglethorpe County would allow the Eagles to get, however.

Dalton scampered in from 26 yards out, giving the Patriots all the offense they needed. Clay Gabriel added a 27-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter, giving the Patriots a 24-8 advantage.

Athens Christian showed promise as the second half began, scoring on Jacob Griffith's 12-yard run, bringing the Eagles to 24-14.

The comeback ended when the Patriots scored on their next possession. Martin once again found Barnett for a touchdown.

Oglethorpe County scored three more times in the second half, sealing the victory.